Kids are Home for the Summer: Be Sure the House is Safe

I NEED TO:

Kids are Home for the Summer: Be Sure the House is Safe

It’s Safe Homes = Safe Families Month

Injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 19 and younger. But most child injuries can be prevented. Parents and caregivers can play a life-saving role in protecting children from injuries.

THINGS TO CONSIDER INSIDE & OUTSIDE YOUR HOME:This list is not exhaustive. Please see resources on the front for more information.

Child’s bedroom:

Make certain there is a carpet or rug beneath the crib or changing table to soften the impact if an infant falls.

Remove all crib gyms, hanging toys, and decorations from a crib by the time a baby can raise up on hands and knees.

Make sure there is a safety belt on the infant changing table, and that it is used properly every time.

Never leave small parts or pieces of a toy(s) in a child’s room.

Make certain a night-light is not near or touching drapes or the bedspread. Also, never place towels or other fabric over a lamp to reduce the light in the room, as a fire may start.

Never place a crib, playpen, or bed near a window.

Use plug protectors for all unused wall outlets.

If there is a lid on the toy box, it should not be heavy, hinged, or lockable. Children may crawl inside and become trapped.

Bathroom:

Put a nonskid bathmat on the floor and a nonskid mat or decals in the bathtub.

Store medications, cosmetics, toiletries, and cleansers well out of reach of children. Put childproof caps on all medications if you have children younger than 8 years of age.

Always unplug appliances before leaving them unattended, no matter how briefly.

To avoid accidental scalding, make certain the tap water temperature is set no higher than 120° F.

Never leave a child or disabled person unattended in a bathroom where there is a tub, sink, or bucket containing water – not even for a moment.

Kitchen:

Make certain knives, scissors, and other sharp utensils are out of reach of children.

Store dishwasher detergent and other cleaning supplies out of reach of children.

Install child resistant safety latches on all cabinets and drawers within a child’s reach.

Always turn pot handles inward when cooking on the stove. Use back burners whenever possible.

Make certain appliance cords are not dangling, so they cannot be pulled from a counter.

Cut food for toddlers into tiny pieces.

If your child uses a highchair, make sure it is sturdy and has a seat belt with a strap between the legs.

Keep a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

Outdoors:

Keep stairs and walkways clear of snow, wet leaves, or other debris.

Repair cracks or chips in cement sidewalks and stairs.

Make certain railings, gates, and fences are secure and in good repair.

Keep garbage cans covered.

There should be a fence with a locked gate between the house and the backyard swimming pool.

Play equipment, such as swing sets and garden furniture, should be properly anchored and assembled.

Miscellaneous:

If you are using a heat source – i.e., fireplace, wood burning stove – place barriers around it to avoid accidental burns.